How to Choose and Decorate The Perfect Christmas Tree

Updated on December 14, 2012

Choosing A Tree

Choosing the perfect Christmas tree can be a fun experience for the entire family to enjoy together.

The first thing to consider in choosing a tree for display in your home is the space that you have available to accommodate the tree. This is a very important factor to consider before purchasing a tree.

Next, you should clear the area and the path from your entrance to the place you have chosen to place the tree.

Choosing the Correct Tree Stand

After you choose trim and shape the tree, your next step should be choosing the correct Christmas tree stand. Be sure to choose a stand that is appropriate for the size of tree you have chosen. Choosing the incorrect size of tree stand can result in the tree being unstable; leaning and even tipping over, especially after the tree is weighted with decorations. Make sure your tree is held securely in place by the correct sized stand before you proceed any further.

Before Transporting The Tree Indoors

Many trees need a little extra trimming to achieve the perfect desired shape. You can do this yourself, simply by using a pair of gardening shears or in some cases a sharp pair of household scissors. Do this before you take your tree indoors.

Move Secured Tree Indoors

After you trim the tree to the desired shape and are sure the tree is well secured, move your tree indoors to the area chosen for display. Make sure, you add water; about 1" to the base of the tree to keep it from drying out and becoming brittle. This is especially important if you plan to add lights or anything that may warm the branches of the tree. Not keeping the tree supple and moist can result in a fire, so this step is very important.

Now it's time to have fun and decorate your beautiful Christmas tree.

If you're going to add lights to the tree it's best to add them first. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to start with the open extension plug at the top. That will give you additional electric power in case you want to add an electric tree topper such as a lighted star, angel etc. Plus, if you have to add additional strings of light, you want to be able to connect them together to continue the uniform flow of the lighting.

You can choose to use almost anything to decorate and adorn your tree. Below I will a few ideas for you to ponder.

A theme tree;

Disney characters

Patriotic-red, white and blue

angels

gingerbread

butterflies

birds

Small teddy bears

Western style-decorated with stars, horseshoes, small bandanas, leather etc.

Family photos hung with clothespins

The possibilities are endless.

Oddly enough; one of the most beautiful trees I've ever gazed upon was decorated with pink roses and crystal prisms with white stretched out cotton ball puffs resting on the tips of each branch. It looked heavenly.

A hodge podge of various items can be used to create a one of a kind tree. A few of the many items you can utilize are things you happen to have around the house such as Christmas cards, bows, ribbons, jewelry, small knick-knacks, beanies and more.

Another great ideas is to use natural items that you can freely find outdoors such as holly, berries, pinecones, branches and sprigs of dried out wildflowers and weeds. Sparcely add some red ribbon, bows or red and white peppermint candy canes for added color. These decorations make for an adorable primitive looking Christmas tree. Don't forget to have fun on your hunt to collect the items nature provides and enjoy some peppermint snacks or have some peppermint tea while decorating.

Enjoy Your Holiday

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. It's that special, almost magical time when so many memories and traditions are revisited and new ones are created. So much time and energy has been taken to make sure that everyone has a memorable holiday event. We have made all the preparations to enhance this special event in time; the house, the perfectly decorated tree, not to mention all the scrumptious traditional foods.

Now it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Try to carve out a couple of hours for yourself before the family and guest begin to arrive. Pamper yourself a little; put on your favorite holiday music while you take a bubble bath or a nice hot shower. When you finish; while still in your bath robe, take a moment to reflect on a past "happy" memory or event, do a few deep breathing or gentle stretching exercises. Take fifteen minutes to rest in your favorite comfy chair (don't lay down-lest you fall asleep, then have to rush around- which will sabotage the effects of the time spent relaxing).

Now it's time to dress and primp yourself for this special day and those long awaited special guest. Take your time; you've spent countless hours attending to everyone and everything else, now it's your "self " time.

All is ready and prepared. You look great, your relaxed and ready to enjoy and actually participate instead of spectate during this special time.

Enjoy your holiday and have a Merry Christmas! God bless you and your family.

At our house, the festivities wouldn't be complete without our traditional glazed ham with pineapple and cherry garnish as the centerpiece on the holiday table. Recipe and instructions are below.

Comments 3 comments

Pamela Kinnaird W 3 years ago from Maui and Arizona

I really enjoyed the way you concluded this helpful hub -- with such good advice on how to enjoy all the effort and beauty created in the Christmas preparations.

The scent of a real Christmas tree is the very essence of the preparations. The decorations and color choices add the extra touches, but it is the scent of the Christmas tree that stirs so many memories in me.

Voting up, beautiful and sharing.

Peggy W 3 years ago from Houston, Texas

It has been many years since we have had a real Christmas tree. Love the smell and look of them but we are no longer putting up as many decorations. Keeping it more simple...but still nice. If we had kids or grandkids, it might be different. I have our hearth decorated and have my nativity scenes up and assorted other decorations...just not a tree any longer. Was fun reading this and remembering... Up and beautiful votes.

Jamie Brock 3 years ago from Texas

I don't think I've ever had a real tree...seems we always had a artifical one. I do remember going to my Aunts during Christmas time and she always had a huge and gorgeous real Christmas tree every year and it always smelled so good in her house. She always decorated it in a country theme and it really did lend to the atmosphere and made it so Christmas-y. Just yesterday I was walking by some real trees displayed outside a store and when I caught that smell, it took me right back to my Aunt's house during Christmas. Also, I know what you mean about Christmas trees being decorated in different colors.. The most beautiful tree I ever saw was decorated in white, pink and silver... I mean, it was the most gorgeous Christmas tree I have ever seen! I think nowadays any color goes for Christmas.. but I'm still partial to silver and gold :) Great hub.. voted up, useful and interesting!